Major TV Networks Support CNN by Not Replacing Its White House Pool Crew

The major television networks, including ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News, and NBC, have decided not to replace CNN's White House pool crew after the Trump administration barred CNN from fulfilling its assigned duties on September 19, 2026. In a joint statement, the networks emphasized the public's interest in receiving accurate information about the government and stated that no administration should restrict a news organization due to its reporting. This decision means that the shared TV pool will not cover President Donald Trump's events that are designated for pool coverage, according to an email from Bryan Boughton, the Fox News Washington bureau chief. He noted that there would be no replacement pool put in place. The arrangement allows the five networks to take turns filming the president and providing live footage to each other and the wider press corps, which is relied upon by local TV stations, newspaper websites, and media outlets globally. CNN Correspondent Julia Benbrook was denied entry to the White House on the same day. Reporters from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico were barred from the White House after President Trump announced a ban on these outlets. The three organizations have since filed a First Amendment lawsuit to challenge the restriction. On the day of the ban, Trump held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new helipad, which was livestreamed on the White House website, but his remarks were inaudible due to helicopter noise. Trump's administration had not designated any television network as the primary TV pool for that day, and Hearst was listed as the secondary crew in DC, while Real America’s Voice was designated for the New York trip. CNN has stated that it will continue its mission to report on the U.S. government despite the restrictions, asserting its constitutional right to report without government interference.